With a history of more than 1,500 years, the ladle mask are a folk art form mainly prevailing in the Central Shaanxi Plain. It is also also locally called horse ladle facial make-ups. The horse ladle facial make-ups are not only used in the Shehuo celebrations, but also regarded as refined handicrafts favored by collectors. Just as the name suggests, horse ladles are used to feed horses in these areas. The round ladles are used to hold water, while the rectangular ones are to hold grain. The patterns painted on the ladles are ways of praying for the livestock's safety and health, thus ensuring people a happy and harmonious life. People in the past used to hang the painted ladles in their houses to drive away the evil spirits, and to avoid sterility and other accidents. The tradition and influence left over from the Shang and Zhou dynasties (About 1600-221BC) can still be perceived from these painted ladles. Shehuo, ladle masks and facial make-ups are three different folk art forms naturally developed through history. The horse ladle facial make-ups used in Shehuo is a precious art form, demonstrating the unique artistic glamour of West China. Shehuo, originally a ceremony to honor gods and spirits from heaven and earth, gradually developed to a festive occasion to celebrate and pray for harvest in its long evolutionary process.
